Hi. I'm a long time reader, first time poster. And I was wondering if I could tap into the expertise on this site. I just got my Tech License about two months ago (KM4FLZ). Since then I've been playing around with a VX-8DR hooked up to a SBB-14 antenna in the car as well as on foot when I go fishing using a comet 320 antenna. In my area, Central and western NC, it doesn't seem to have a robust enough transmit power to get APRS beacons through reliably. I can receive amazingly well! So, it seems I need to find a proper mobile radio. I'm new, so I'd like to have flexibility to play with a lot of features/modes…
The ability to send a short email through APRS is one of my primary goals. In other words, when I'm away from cell signal, I'd like to be able to send a quick "hey, the trout are biting, going to be a couple hours late" or something similar via text/email. It's cumbersome on the HT and if I can't get a position beacon to go through reliably, I doubt I would get anything more. There is also some D-Star support here, and on the normal routes I take, visiting friends/family that I'd like to play with. I don't really have time to play with Ham radio at home. When I'm home, my girlfriend finds other things for me to do… So mobile is best.
I'm interested in a Yaesu FTM-400D for pure ease of APRS messaging. Have read a lot, watched the Youtube reviews, it seems very mobile friendly and familiar. But it won't do D-Star without a DV-Dongle. It seems there is limited functionality when you attach a computer to it. But I probably won't do that. The digital modes aren't really all that useful to me here but perhaps some day.
The other option, in IC-5100a? D-Star is ready to go. But, no integrated APRS functionality. Could I add a Kenwood RC-D710 to it and have everything I need in one expanded unit?
The last consideration is that I'm getting ready to do my General exam in January, and have more or less decided on a IC-7100 for an all in one mobile radio… Is it practical to add a RC-D710 to that and skip the other two? I believe it only has one transceiver, so I wouldn't be able to scan voice channels and beacon in the background…
Having two radios isn't unreasonable. Maybe the FTM-400D now and the 7100 in a few months?
Sorry for the long winded first post, but suggestions from the experts would be greatly appreciated. My closest ham radio retailer is abut 3 and a half hours away in Atlanta and work schedules have prevented me from joining the local clubs. So, it's hard to get advice. Thanks!
The ability to send a short email through APRS is one of my primary goals. In other words, when I'm away from cell signal, I'd like to be able to send a quick "hey, the trout are biting, going to be a couple hours late" or something similar via text/email. It's cumbersome on the HT and if I can't get a position beacon to go through reliably, I doubt I would get anything more. There is also some D-Star support here, and on the normal routes I take, visiting friends/family that I'd like to play with. I don't really have time to play with Ham radio at home. When I'm home, my girlfriend finds other things for me to do… So mobile is best.
I'm interested in a Yaesu FTM-400D for pure ease of APRS messaging. Have read a lot, watched the Youtube reviews, it seems very mobile friendly and familiar. But it won't do D-Star without a DV-Dongle. It seems there is limited functionality when you attach a computer to it. But I probably won't do that. The digital modes aren't really all that useful to me here but perhaps some day.
The other option, in IC-5100a? D-Star is ready to go. But, no integrated APRS functionality. Could I add a Kenwood RC-D710 to it and have everything I need in one expanded unit?
The last consideration is that I'm getting ready to do my General exam in January, and have more or less decided on a IC-7100 for an all in one mobile radio… Is it practical to add a RC-D710 to that and skip the other two? I believe it only has one transceiver, so I wouldn't be able to scan voice channels and beacon in the background…
Having two radios isn't unreasonable. Maybe the FTM-400D now and the 7100 in a few months?
Sorry for the long winded first post, but suggestions from the experts would be greatly appreciated. My closest ham radio retailer is abut 3 and a half hours away in Atlanta and work schedules have prevented me from joining the local clubs. So, it's hard to get advice. Thanks!
